​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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Last Sunday’s Service
     Last Sunday we had 24 people in worship, and we celebrated Holy Communion.  Carol Markley played the piano and Cathy King the organ for a beautiful duet of “This is My Father’s World”.  We celebrate that a recent adjustment in recording Pastor Kelly’s sermon resulted in much improved sound quality for listeners at home.  Finally, the weekly donations of food have filled our red Food Pantry bin on recent Sundays; those donations are immediately brought over after worship each week.  Much gratitude to everyone for supporting our Food Pantry and for supporting our church’s financial needs during this pandemic.  Together we are sustaining our vital ministries, thanks be to God!
 
Happy Grandparents Day!
It's Grandparents' Day and we're here to say,
We love our grandparents in a major way.
So sit right down and take a seat,
enjoy your day and all the treats!

    
Enjoy your day whether you are a grandparent or celebrating one!
 
Invitation for All Church Family and Friends
     Come join us at DeVoe‘s Rainbow Orchard on Sunday, September 20th at 1:30 PM. Their location is at 1569 Route 9 in Halfmoon.  Cider donuts, baked goods and more are available.   People can either purchase pre-picked apples or pick their own.  There will be Covid-related protocols in place.  This orchard has great reviews (4.7 out of 5 stars).   Hope to see you there!
 
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
      Food insecurity is very real during this time.   If you are someone who is in this situation, please feel free to come to the Church House on Wednesday between 9:30 and noon to receive food.  If you are able to help, please consider giving either a monetary donation or something from the below list.  If you are able to donate your time, please give the office a call and give your availability.  Thank you for your help and giving.
Pantry Items Needed
  • Green canned vegetables
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Tuna
  • Pasta (box, bag, and side dishes)
  • Jelly
  • Juice
  • Chicken Breast (canned) 
  • Syrup
  • Rice (box, bag, and side dishes)
  • Cookies
  • Condiments
  • Crackers
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Personal hygiene items, including feminine products
New Volunteers in the Food Pantry!
  •      Thank you to AJ and Riley Schmidt for offering to help in the Food Pantry.
  •      Thank you to Joyce Garlock for picking up pastries and bread from the Bread Basket.
Your time and energy are greatly appreciated!
 
Ballston Area Clergy Association
     The Ballston Area Clergy Association thanks you for the recent gift of $500 to the Community Assistance Fund.  This fund was established in 2009 as an ecumenical witness of God’s love and compassion to people in times of financial crisis.  Thank you for your part in making this a vital ministry to our community!
 
Volunteers Needed for Emerging Needs
     We are looking for Hosts (or Hostesses) who would set up an online Zoom meeting.  We will train you to do this, and it is quite easy.  Everyone can stay in the comfort of their own homes yet see and chat with others.  Hosting a gathering on Sunday morning is our vision, but we would love it if there were additional days and times people set up to socialize.
     Would you like to help create the weekly worship PowerPoint?  If you do, the order of worship can be sent to you, which will include the music, Scripture, and sermon title.  The additional theme slides will be sent as well.  The basic template is already in place, so with some coaching about technical and aesthetic info, you could start providing this valuable ministry for our congregation.  Mark Warner is the only volunteer doing this, and he would be grateful if one or more people could join in a rotation.   
     We are looking for some people willing to fill in when our Office Manager Sue Cramer has time off.  She has a clearly written set of instructions to help you do a few basic tasks on the office laptop and make some copies for a weekly mailing.  She will gladly show you what is needed and answer questions.  The abbreviated workload for her week off can likely be done in fewer than 4 hours.
     If you have any interest in helping out with any or all of these, please leave a message on the office phone (518-885-6886) or send an email to bsumc@albany.twcbc.com.
     And thank you!  
 
Prayer Group
     Please consider joining our prayer group.  This is an on-line way of praying for each other’s needs and praising God for what is happening in each other’s lives.  If you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
     Ilah Sisson Walser asks: Requesting prayers for my daughter's mother-in-law, Pat.  She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is now recuperating following surgery in Las Vegas.
     Joyce Cook appreciates the cards and prayers she received while at the Wesley for rehab.  She is now recuperating at home.  Cards may be sent to her at:
Joyce Cook
53 Margaret Drive
Ballston Spa, NY  12020
     Cathy King asks: Please pray for Bill and Kathy Haege.  Bill has had a serious fall and needs prayers for healing.  Kathy needs prayers for support in her role as caregiver.
     Update on Bob Elbertson: Bob is in his second week at Wesley Health Care for rehabilitation.  He is doing okay but wants to get home again.  Your cards, calls, and prayers mean a lot to him.  He specifically told me he "can't really describe it, but I feel my church family."  He is so thankful for all of you.  To send a card, his address is:                                                        
Robert Elbertson
Wesley Health Care
131 Lawrence Ave.
2 Hathorn #211R
Saratoga Springs, NY  12866
     Janice Green could also use some cards.  Her address is:
Janice Green
131 Lawrence St.
Apt. V418W
Saratoga Springs, NY  12866
     Linda Sheeran asks:  My mom, Carolyn Parrotte, will be turning 90 on September 22nd.  Many of you have visited with her during Coffee Hour and made her feel like part of the church family.  My mom treasures your friendship.  Due to COVID-19, celebrations, especially milestone ones, have to take on a different look.  That is why I am asking for a treasure-trove of birthday cards to be sent to my mom- not only by us, but by her home church in Colton, NY, and her immediate and extended family.  Please feel free to send to her directly at PO Box 344, Colton, NY 13625, or to me at 19 Pinehollow Drive, Ballston Spa, NY  12020.
With deep gratitude, Linda Sheeran
 
Supporting Our Church Together
     Due to the decreased attendance at worship services, there is a gap between our income and the bills we must pay.  We currently have about a $6,000 deficit.  Everything we can do to decrease costs is being done.  We have an ongoing fundraiser for Hoffman Car washes and hope you will support that.  What is needed the most is consistent givers.  If you are already using VANCO to regularly send your gifts to the church, we are grateful; you can also give online securely on our website. Or consider using a “BillPay” option from your bank at no cost.  You can designate that a certain amount of money be sent to us by mail and they will write a check as part of their customer service.  All it takes is to contact your bank. The church’s mailing address is: 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
     Thank you for your help in meeting our needs.
 
Weekly Sermons on Facebook
     The sermon can be found in print (as well as video) on our church website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts.  If you do not have access to that a print copy can be mailed to you from our church office.  Please let the office (518-885-6886) know if you would like it mailed to you and are not currently receiving it that way. 
 
Worship Schedule for the Coming Weeks
Sept. 20
Scripture: Exodus 16: 2-15
Sermon: “Where is God When We Feel ‘Hangry‘?”
Theme: Trust that God knows your needs and will provide

Sept. 27
Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon: “Parched and Doubting”
Theme: Believe that God is trustworthy

Oct. 4 (World Communion Sunday)
Scripture: Psalm 19:7-14  
Sermon: “God’s Word Guides, Revives and Rewards”
Theme: The word of God is valuable for Christians

Oct. 11
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
Sermon: “Ready and Steady Christians”
Theme: Learning how to be a strong Christian

Fair Trade
     Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are still available from Stan Lockwood.  If interested, please contact him at 518-885-1552 or via email at  sdlock2008@hotmail.com.
 
Music for Services
     At present, we are not permitted to sing hymns as a congregation, so we would like to feature instrumentalists as much as possible.  If you are interested in playing during the service, please contact Cathy King at 518-584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability.  She would need a few dates that work for you so she can schedule things appropriately. 
     Many thanks for sharing your gifts of music!
 
Ballston Spa United Methodist Church + Hoffman Car Wash
Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!!
Purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately @ :  BSUMC 2020 Car Wash
Exterior only:  $12 -  Your vehicle enters a modern car wash bay where it receives a soft-cloth wash followed by touch-free air drying.
Full Service Car wash:  To be more detailed and sanitizing in cleaning.  Starting July 1st, the Full Service car wash will cost $42, which means your organization receives $21 for the 50% earnings.
Full service tickets may be used at:  1672 Route 9, Clifton Park, 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie, and 753 New Loudon Road, Latham (Cannot be used at the exit 15 location).  Order forms and an explanation of services will be on your fundraising page from the ‘Print Order Form’ link.
Any Questions??  Call or email Lynne Blake at 518-885-9821 or LBlake@nycap.rr.com 
 
Basic Lay Servant Course to be offered via ZOOM in October
     Interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Minister? Here is how you start!
     This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship." (2020 Lay Servant Catalog)
Mondays, October 19 and 26: 5:30-8:30
Thursdays, October 22 and 29: 5:30-8:30
Cost: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt, CLM, and Jacqueline Kim, CLS
To register contact Adirondack District registrar Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com.  Class size will be limited to 12 participants and must purchase the book, "Lay Servant Ministries: Basic", by Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson.
Dates for additional courses in the Certified Lay Ministry are to be scheduled.
 
Have a blessed week

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